5 Recommended Online Tours: Introducing a New Form of Barrier-Free Travel!

With COVID-19 restrictions gradually easing, many people are starting to think about traveling again.

However, from the perspective of accessibility, there may be many individuals with disabilities who find it challenging to travel.

That's where the new concept of "online tours" comes in.

In this article, we will introduce an overview of online tours and recommend five online tours.

Additionally, we will explain how to enjoy online tours and what you need, so please use this as a reference.

1. What is the Trending "Online Tour"?

An online tour is, as the name suggests, a tour that allows you to virtually experience travel online.

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic starting in 2020, travel companies began offering these tours on the web to allow people to enjoy travel despite restrictions on movement both domestically and internationally.

In Japan, they are also known as "home travel," akin to "home time," and continue to be popular.

There are two types of online tours: video-on-demand, where you can watch pre-recorded tour videos at your convenience, and live tours, where you can interact with guides during a live broadcast at a set time.

Live online tours, in particular, are popular because they allow interaction with guides and locals, offering a high level of satisfaction.

Participants can request changes to camera angles and chat with other participants, making it feel as if they are truly traveling.

Online tours are a hot topic as they offer the ultimate barrier-free travel experience from the comfort of your home.

2. Top 5 Recommended Online Tours

Online tours are primarily planned and offered by travel companies.

Here, we introduce five recommended online tours.

• HIS Online Experience Tour
• Autabi Online Tour
• Tabisuke
• JTB Online Tour
• [Bonus] Explore the World with Google Street View

2-1. HIS Online Experience Tour

The HIS Online Experience Tour is a service offered by the major travel company "H.I.S. Co., Ltd."

As of January 2024, there are over 13,800 tours available domestically and internationally, with over 300,000 users to date.

The appeal lies in the variety of plans, from those that offer shopping services abroad to courses that include local specialties.

Additionally, the online experience "IKU×MIRU" offers a subscription plan for unlimited viewing.

It's recommended for those who want to experience a wide range of online tours, from domestic to international travel.

Reference: Experience Overseas and Domestic Travel from Home! Online Experience Travel｜H.I.S. Co., Ltd.

2-2. Autabi Online Tour

The Autabi Online Tour is an interactive tour where you can meet producers online while enjoying local specialties from Japan and around the world.

When you sign up for a tour, local specialties are delivered to your home, which you can store in your refrigerator until the day of the tour.

Of course, you can try them before the tour and share your impressions.

On the day of the tour, you can enjoy the specialties while connecting with producers via live stream, engaging in conversations and chats.

Some tours even offer live sales or limited-quantity products from the producers!

The post-tour social gatherings are also popular, allowing for further interaction between participants and producers.

Reference: Online Tour｜Autabi LLC

2-3. Tabisuke

Tabisuke is a travel service for care facilities operated by Tokyo Travel Partners Co., Ltd.

It offers small group travel services using welfare vehicles, providing over 100 types of barrier-free travel as part of outdoor recreation.

The "Tabisuke Channel" for online tours focuses on participation, live streaming, and high-quality video, allowing users to enjoy a travel-like experience from their facilities.

Over 1,000 facilities have adopted this service, with more than 20,000 users to date.

While individual use may be challenging, it's recommended for healthcare and caregiving professionals to incorporate as a form of recreation.

Reference: Tabisuke｜Tokyo Travel Partners Co., Ltd.

2-4. [Service Ended] JTB Online Tour

The JTB Online Tour was a service operated by the major travel company "JTB Corporation," but it seems to have ended service earlier this year, with no new bookings currently being accepted.

However, it's worth knowing about in case the service resumes.

The JTB Online Tour was characterized by its private online tours, allowing for one-on-one online travel with a guide.

Of course, participation with close friends or family is also welcome.

Many of the courses are international, making it recommended for those who want to easily travel abroad through an online tour.

Reference: [JTB's Overseas Online Tour] Enjoy a Private Tour and Travel Freely!｜JTB Corporation

2-5. [Bonus] Explore the World with Google Street View!

Lastly, let's introduce "Google Street View," which allows you to explore the world without spending any money.

Many of you might already be familiar with Google Street View, but it's recommended because the images are clear, and you can easily experience places you wouldn't normally be able to visit.

For example, Australia's beautiful coral reef, the "Great Barrier Reef," can be viewed underwater in a 360° panoramic view.

Additionally, you can specify places you want to visit, such as famous tourist spots overseas or capitals around the world, and instantly view the scenery.

As long as you have an internet connection, you can enjoy it without much cost.

For detailed instructions, refer to the official site and give it a try.

Reference: Use Street View on Google Maps｜Google

3. "Metaverse (Virtual Space) Travel" Pursuing Realism is Also Gaining Attention

Metaverse (virtual space) travel refers to cutting-edge tourism experiences created on the internet using virtual reality technology.

Users can explore virtual spaces using smartphones or VR goggles, providing a more realistic experience than online tours.

Especially for the elderly or individuals with physical disabilities, who may not have access to barrier-free environments, it offers the opportunity to feel close to cultural heritage sites they couldn't usually visit.

In Japan, for example, a metaverse service themed around the "Osaka-Kansai Expo" scheduled for 2025 has been launched as "Virtual Osaka."

It allows users to experience Osaka's famous landmarks, such as Dotonbori, Osaka Castle, and Umeda Sky Building, in the metaverse.

If metaverse travel continues to grow, it could allow for realistic travel experiences regardless of the accessibility of the destination.

Reference: Virtual Osaka｜KDDI Joint Venture

4. Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Tours

4-1. Advantages

The advantages of online tours are as follows:

• Cost-effective in terms of money and time
• Allows sightseeing in places inaccessible by wheelchair
• Facilitates communication like a tour
• Serves as a preview for future travel
• No concerns about physical stamina

The greatest appeal of online tours is the significant reduction in travel costs and time.

The price range for tours is typically between 1,000 and 4,000 yen, much cheaper than traveling in person.

Most plans allow you to enjoy travel in just one to three hours.

From an accessibility standpoint, online tours enable participation in tours of important cultural properties and ruins that were previously inaccessible due to steps or other barriers.

Additionally, live online tours allow you to ask questions on the spot, which is another advantage.

Some people also use online tours as a way to preview destinations before traveling.

For the elderly or those with chronic illnesses who may lack stamina, online tours offer a convenient way to participate.

4-2. Disadvantages

The disadvantages of online tours are as follows:

• Limited sensory experiences
• Less memorable
• Audio and video may be interrupted by poor connection

Online tours rely solely on video for the sense of atmosphere and presence, making it harder to convey these compared to real travel.

Additionally, the lack of taking commemorative photos or physically being there can make online tours less memorable.

It's also important to note that poor internet connection can lead to interruptions in audio and video during participation.

5. What You Need to Participate in an Online Tour

To participate in an online tour, you will need the following four items:

• A viewing device such as a smartphone or tablet
• Internet connection
• Online communication tools
• Microphone or headset

5-1. Viewing Device such as a Smartphone or Tablet

To join a tour, you'll need a viewing device like a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

As long as it can connect to the internet, it should be fine, but larger screens provide clearer images and a more immersive experience.

Having a smartphone or tablet stand that allows for angle adjustment can also make viewing easier.

5-2. Internet Connection

Since online tours require streaming large amounts of data, a stable internet connection is crucial.

Poor connection can lead to interruptions in audio and video.

Before participating, ensure that your Wi-Fi is stable.

For a quick internet speed check, you can type "internet speed test" into the Google search bar and run a test, which is recommended.

Reference: Test Your Internet Speed｜Google

5-3. Online Communication Tools

For interactions during online tours, communication tools like Zoom are often used.

Whether or not to show your face is up to you, but seeing each other can facilitate communication with guides and locals.

Check which communication tools are needed for the tour you plan to join and download them in advance.

5-4. Headset

If you want to enhance your immersion in an online tour, a headset is recommended.

A headset combines a microphone for speaking and earphones for listening.

Headsets with noise-canceling features block out surrounding noise, allowing you to focus on the tour.

They also enable smooth communication with others through the microphone.

However, a headset is not strictly necessary, so feel free to prepare one based on your preference.

6. Tips and Considerations for Enjoying Online Tours

6-1. Recording and Screenshots are Prohibited

In most tours, recording or taking screenshots of the tour footage is prohibited to protect rights and prevent content leaks.

However, some guides may offer photo opportunities or screenshot times as a service, so it's not entirely forbidden, but be cautious with image management.

If you wish to take a screenshot, be sure to confirm in advance.

6-2. Prepare Items to Feel the Local Atmosphere

Preparing items that evoke the local atmosphere based on the tour's location is a tip for enjoying online travel.

For example, if the tour is in Italy, having wine, cheese, or pasta related to the area can enhance your experience.

Some tours also offer meal-inclusive plans, so consider them based on your budget.

6-3. Communicate with the Guide

In online tours, it's common for a guide to lead the tour while providing explanations.

Popular guides' tours can be hard to book, so it's best to register early.

Feel free to ask questions or express doubts to the guide to foster a sense of connection.

7. In Conclusion

This time, we introduced five recommended online tours as a new form of barrier-free travel.

Each tour is creatively designed to be enjoyable, offering a wide range of experiences from domestic to international travel.

Online tours, born from the difficulty of traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic, seem to be a revolutionary way for wheelchair users to enjoy travel.

Using this article as a reference, why not find an online tour that interests you and embark on a new journey?

Ayumi also publishes other articles related to barrier-free travel and tourism, so feel free to check out the category here for more information.